RCMP Unit Commendation

March 28, 2018

At this morning's National Division Formal Awards and Recognition Ceremony, D/M Brad Hampson, on behalf of the band and dancers, was presented the Commander's Unit Commendation by our Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Michael Duheme.

The Citation reads "For Exemplary and Innovative Volunteer Service. The National Division Community Band of Pipes and Drums is commended for service to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that has fostered community engagement in Canada and has brought credit and honour to the RCMP with impact at the provincial, inter-provincial, national and international levels. Marking the Twentieth Anniversary of the National Band Program, the National Division Band is recognized for supporting the seven constituent bands of the The Program and extending the public relations mandate of the RCMP. The Executive Director of Public Affairs. RCMP National Headquarters. Ottawa."

As noted before, the RCMP volunteer pipe bands (and dancers) are the first citizen units ever to be awarded an RCMP Unit Commendation, so this is a milestone moment and one for which we can be justifiably proud.

Individual pins to all band members and dancers to recognize the Unit Commendation are still to follow. Unit Commendations don't normally recognize the respective individuals, so these Unit Commendation pins, which also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the tartan and the 20th anniversary of the National Program of citizen volunteer RCMP pipe bands, are also a first for the RCMP.

At this morning's ceremony, the band members present also had the honour of witnessing P/Sgt Gilbert Young and Jack Yourt receive Commanding Officer Commendations. P/M Graeme Ogilvie received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

Photos are attached of the Unit Commendation and this morning's commendation/medal recipients.

All in all a very large day for the band and dancers. I mentioned to the CO this morning that over 200,000 volunteer hours have been provided by our band/dancers since our first events 18 years ago. An enormous well done to everyone for all the significant time, effort and contributions you have made over that 18 years that led to the Commendation being received this morning.